August 2009
August 31
It was a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday for the Myland Fete, opened by Colchester United’s acting manager, Joe Dunne. Colchester Cycle Champions were on hand to promote cycling, and Dr Bike was busy as ever, servicing bikes!
This fearsome bunch are Colchester Town Watch, Civic Escort to Colchester Mayor, and put on a fascinating demonstration of ‘Pike Evolutions’:
There were all manner of stalls and displays, from bouncy castle to beer tent! I took some time out from “volunteering duties” to get this capture:
- Video of Boxted Methodist Silver Band
- Video of The Dog & Pheasant ‘Tug of War’
August 21
The section of NCN Route 51 from East Street to Riverside Walk, Colchester is currently cordoned off by police:
A professional cameraman suggested they may have found a body.
August 20
Until today I thought East Bergholt’s famous Bell Cage was one-of-a-kind, but alas it isn’t. It turns out there is another at All Saints’ Church in Wrabness:
There are several key differences, however:
- All Saints’ was built after the tower collapsed, St Mary’s in East Bergholt was built in the tower-building process
- There is only one bell at Wrabness, whereas East Bergholt has five
- The East Bergholt bells are still hand rung today
August 18
Had an eventful three-day touring holiday in the West Country, with a day in London either side: Salisbury > Bath > Bristol. Tough going at times, but overall a great experience. I've added a selection of my holiday photos to Flickr.
- Video of NCN Route 41, Clifton Suspension Bridge to Ham Green
Here’s a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, taken somewhere in London:
August 9
Couldn’t quite believe my eyes earlier; of all the places to park, this has got to be one of the worst (and most blatant)!
August 8
Last night The Rose & Crown, Wivenhoe played host to Colchester Morris Men… wielding handkerchiefs and sticks they wowed the crowd.
August 7
What’s the best way of transporting wedding guests to and fro?
Hire an Old London Bus for the day, of course!
August 6
Route 51 of Sustrans’ National Cycle Network nearly always provides some interesting sights (as well as somewhat unpleasant smells along the Colne!), and yesterday was no different…
So tandems aren't the rarest of bicycles, but they always put a smile on my face when I see them. Luckily enough I had my camera to hand and a willing subject (just a shame about the backdrop — I am not sure what is under development behind the hoardings):
Further along Hythe Quay a barge (I couldn’t make out the name) was leaving its mooring, and I captured the moment on video.
August 4
Colchester Cycle Champions now has a YouTube Channel with various videos from local rides and events.
Today I spotted this Series II Rover P6:
August 3
The Essex Witch Trials Memorial Society have placed a handful of flowers outside the main entrance to Castle Park, Colchester, in place of the permanent memorial they campaign for:
This is a nice view of Ramsey Windmill from Church Hill, encountered yesterday on a bike ride to Harwich:
Since it is privately owned, this is about as close as you can get:
Entries made in July.